Francis Ngannou’s relationship with the PFL appears damaged after recent action upset the founder

All does not appear to be well between Francis Ngannou and his current employer.

The PFL recently touched down in new territory, becoming the first global mixed martial arts promotion to stage an event in Africa. The latest regional expansion launched at an event in Cape Town on July 18, as PFL Africa joined PFL Europe and PFL MENA as part of plans to create the ‘Champions League’ of MMA.

Alongside the PFL Africa fighters, a number of names known to the worldwide audience were in action as part of the Champions Series lineup in South Africa, including former Bellator middleweight king Johnny Eblen and undefeated flyweight star Dakota Ditcheva. They were joined by another prominent name in Khabib Nurmagomedov, who attended in support of some Dagestani fighters he trains.

There was one notable absence, however — that of the PFL Africa chairman.

Francis Ngannou ‘disappointed’ Donn Davis by not attending inaugural PFL Africa event

Francis Ngannou left the UFC on bad terms in early 2023 after a lengthy contractual dispute. He later found a home in the PFL, where a number of his wishes were granted.

In addition to having the freedom to pursue a career in the boxing ring, ‘The Predator’ was granted positions behind the scenes. Ngannou’s deal included becoming PFL Africa chairman, a role the Cameroonian said he was “honored” to take up.

Ngannou was given the chance to boost the sport of MMA in his home continent and ensure upcoming fighters do not have to take the perilous journey he once did to find success. And with that in mind, PFL founder Donn Davis was shocked and “disappointed” not to see Ngannou attend the debut card on July 18.

“You have to ask Francis (why he was not present),” Davis told media at the event (h/t ESPN). “I’m not going to hide it — I expected him (at GrandWest Arena).

“This is part of his vision, so that all those fighters out there don’t have to leave the continent like he did. We worked for two years.

“I’m direct and say what I think — I’m disappointed,” Davis added.

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Talk of Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC was quickly shut down

Ngannou’s potentially fractured relationship with the PFL higher-ups comes shortly after talk of a UFC return surfaced.

Eric Nicksick’s desire to see Ngannou in UFC again sparked the discussion, leading to calls for Dana White and co. to do what they can to bring ‘The Predator’ back for a huge showdown with Tom Aspinall, who inherited the undisputed throne after Jon Jones’ controversial retirement.

But White was quick to shut down Ngannou’s comeback, and the Cameroonian himself put the nail in the coffin when he questioned where such talk had even come from.

“Did I say I’m ever coming back?” Ngannou wrote on X.